Star Wars News

Southampton University will go Star Wars mad when it hosts the UK premiere of the latest cult animation from the US.

Celebrities and exclusive ticket holders will be given the red carpet treatment when the movie is revealed tonight.

Film fans are being asked to dress up as their favourite Star Wars character when it is screened for the first time at the Students’ Union.

Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II is an animation spoof of the classic 1977 film starring Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

The university’s Students’ Union won the chance to hold the screening by getting more than 860 people to join a special group on a social networking website.

Adam Parker, students’ union vice-president of media and communications, said: “There were quite a few other universities wanting to host the screening but we won.

“It’s a great event for the university, for students and for Star Wars fans.”

Following in the footsteps of programmes such as Family Guy and American Dad, Robot Chicken has picked up a huge cult following in its native US.

Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II has been made with the backing of original creator George Lucas and even features some of the Star Wars cast, including Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.

Film star and Robot Chicken creator Seth Green, best known for his role as Scott in the Austin Powers films, said: “We’re thrilled to get to make Episode II – it doesn’t even seem real getting to make Star Wars twice.”

Co-creator Matt Senreich promised the film would be a “geek-fest for all”.

The Southampton screening at 9pm, is the only premiere outside the US.

Credit: Will Carson - Southern Daily Echo